Maoists being helped by LeT: CRPF official

Maoists, who have stepped up attacks on security forces particularly in Chhattisgarh, are getting support from terror group Laskhar-e-Taiba, a top CRPF official said today.
"There are also reports that China is indirectly supporting the extremists by way of providing weapons through the bo

Maoists, who have stepped up attacks on security forces particularly in Chhattisgarh, are getting support from terror group Laskhar-e-Taiba, a top CRPF official said today.

"There are also reports that China is indirectly supporting the extremists by way of providing weapons through the borders of West Bengal and North East," CRPF IG M H Rawat told reporters at CRPF Traning Centre at Kurudampalayam on the city's outskirts.

"Yes, it is true that they are geting support from LeT," he said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh also said today that the Naxals, whom he described as the biggest terrorists, might have links with LeT.

In the latest major attack, Naxals killed 35 people, including civilians in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Asked about suggestions for using air power to deal with Naxal insurgency, he said it was not possible immediately as there were certain problems, including the safety of local population.

It was difficult to detect carefully-laid landmines and there should be well-trained personnel to defuse them, he said, adding efforts were on to keep a strict vigil on border areas to prevent weapons being smuggled in from neighbouring countries.

Moreover, the insurgents were procuring arms from across the unfenced border, particularly Bangladesh, he said.

The government has to undertake welfare measures in Naxal-hit areas and the benefits should reach even the last person so that socio economic issues could be addressed, which would see the end of menace in the area, he said.

The CRPF is evolving different strategies to meet the challenges posed by Maoists, including taking local people into confidence and also strengthening intelligence, Rawat said.

Do You Like This Story? Awesome! Now share the story Too bad. Tell us what you didn't like in the comments